Bunuel
Competition Mode Question
If m and n are integers such that -5 < m < 4 and -3 < n < 6. What is the maximum possible value of m^2 - mn + n^2 ?
A. 65
B. 61
C. 60
D. 59
E. 50
Notice that m^2 - mn + n^2 = m^2 - 2mn + n^2 + mn = (m - n)^2 + mn. We have two cases:
1) Maximizing the value of (m - n)^2, i.e., having the values m and n as far as possible. However, this yields a negative value of mn since m and n must have opposite signs.
2) Maximizing the value of mn, i.e., having the values m and n as closes as possible. However, this yields a small nonnegative value of (m - n)^2.
If we use the first case, we should let m = -4 and n = 5 and (m - n)^2 + mn would be (-4 - 5)^2 + (-4)(5) = 81 - 20 = 61.
If we use the second option, we should let m = 3 and n = 6 and (m - n)^2 + mn would be (3 - 6)^2 + (3)(6) = 8 + 18 = 27.
Therefore, the maximum value is 61.
Answer: B